Novo Nordisk's Weight Loss Drug Ozempic Associated With Reduced Opioid, Alcohol Use Disorder Incidences, Study Shows

A recent real-world data analysis was conducted to suggest a link between glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) prescriptions and reduced rates of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The study, which included over 500,000 OUD patients and more than 800,000 AUD patients, presents promising insights for novel treatment strategies in substance use disorders.

Also Read: Popular Ozempic May Have New Use As Semaglutide Drugs Linked To Reduced Overdose Risk In Diabetic Opioid Users.

The analysis revealed that patients with prescriptions for GIP or GLP-1 RA drugs, e.g., Novo Nordisk A/S‘ NVO Ozempic (semaglutide), experienced significantly lower rates of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication compared to those without such prescriptions.

Specifically, patients with OUD who received GIP/GLP-1 RA prescriptions had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose, while AUD patients showed a 50% reduction in alcohol intoxication rates.

These protective effects remained strong even among subgroups with comorbid conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Previous animal studies have demonstrated similar findings with GLP-1 RA drugs, such as Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide) and semaglutide, reducing alcohol intake and drug-seeking behaviors in rodents.

Clinical trials in humans are still ongoing, examining the role of these drugs in curbing substance-related behaviors, such as cigarette smoking, opioid cravings, and alcohol use.

While early trials indicate a reduction in heavy drinking days for AUD patients, further large-scale studies are needed to assess the generalizability of these results.

The study emphasizes the need for further research, particularly through prospective clinical trials, to confirm the protective associations between GIP/GLP-1 RA drugs and substance use outcomes.

The findings contribute to the evolving landscape of addiction treatment and could lead to the development of more comprehensive pharmacotherapy options for individuals battling OUD and AUD.

Price Action: NVO stock is up 0.53% at $118.66 at last check Thursday.

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